Evolution Unveiled: Chef Eric LeVine Brings a Brooklyn State of Mind to 42 Hotel
On the ground floor of Williamsburg’s sleek 42 Hotel, a culinary transformation has quietly taken root. Since its opening on April 30, Evolution marks a daring new chapter for acclaimed chef Eric LeVine—his first foray into New York City fine dining, and one deeply rooted in the borough where he grew up.
With five celebrated Long Island restaurants to his name and two James Beard Award nominations behind him, Chef LeVine arrives at 42 Hotel with intention. Evolution is not simply a restaurant—it’s a personal statement, an edible memoir, and a tribute to the spirit of Brooklyn.
“Evolution, for me, is about change, about creating new — never ‘me too,’ always ‘me different’.”
Chef Eric LeVine
A Tasting Menu That Tells a Story
The restaurant’s concept is clear from the moment the first course lands. Every dish on the rotating tasting menu references a neighborhood in Brooklyn, offering diners a sensory journey through LeVine’s childhood in the 1970s and early ’80s. From the Brighton Beach Potato Knish to the Coney Island Hot Dog reimagined through refined culinary technique, this is nostalgia served with precision.
LeVine's menu also includes other inventive dishes like Sheepshead Bay Baked Clams and Dyker Heights Dim Sum, blending diverse cuisines while maintaining Brooklyn’s cultural essence. The interplay of flavors from different culinary traditions, yet all uniquely influenced by the borough’s diverse roots, shows LeVine’s mastery of integrating varied culinary influences in a way that feels both fresh and familiar.
Each plate is built around hyper-local ingredients, presented with the kind of thoughtful plating that invites pause. LeVine’s deep expertise—from ingredient selection to knife technique to final flourish—is palpable in every bite. Having appeared on Food Network’s Chopped, his culinary reputation precedes him, yet Evolution feels less like a showcase and more like a masterclass in artistry and care.
An Atmosphere That Matches the Menu
Inside Evolution, the ambiance is intentionally intimate. Nestled within the bustling heart of 42 Hotel, the restaurant is a quieter counterpoint to Williamsburg’s broader dining energy—tailored for those who appreciate subtlety and sophistication over flash. The space flows seamlessly into the hotel’s stylish lounge and bar, creating a versatile, upscale setting ideal for curated gatherings, private dinners, or simply enjoying an elevated night out. The interior is adorned with paintings that capture the essence of Brooklyn’s eclectic spirit. These artworks reflect the borough's rich cultural tapestry, adding an authentic layer to the dining experience and connecting the space to its roots.
That interconnectedness is part of the hotel’s larger vision. With 60 guest rooms framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, rustic-modern interiors, and refined amenities—from plush Stearns & Foster mattresses to artisanal bath products—42 Hotel blends contemporary design with a sense of rooted comfort. Evolution extends this ethos into the culinary realm, enhancing not just the hotel’s food program, but its personality.
“Guests are not just eating here. They’re stepping into the chef’s personal story. That matters.”
42 Hotel Team Member
Redefining Brooklyn Luxury Through Cuisine
What sets Evolution apart in the crowded Brooklyn dining scene is its unwillingness to imitate. While many new concepts chase trends, LeVine has turned inward. His dishes do not pander—they challenge, surprise, and ultimately satisfy by virtue of memory, innovation, and meticulous execution.
It’s this very combination that makes Evolution more than a hotel restaurant. It is an immersive destination for those who appreciate layered flavors, local culture, and the luxury of thoughtfulness. Whether you’re a curious traveler checking in or a discerning local seeking something truly distinct, Evolution offers a meaningful new reason to revisit Williamsburg.